This elegant hakama (traditional pleated trousers), dating to the Meiji period (1868–1912), is a fine example of Japanese summer formal wear. Standing 38 inches in height (97 cm), the garment is meticulously crafted from hemp, a plant-based "asa" fiber prized for its durability and cooling properties in Japan's humid climate. The natural tan-colored fabric is decorated with a series of cream-colored stenciled motifs resembling stylized suns or swirling water wheels (kuruma-zen), which are scattered across the fabric in a rhythmic, balanced arrangement.
The garment features the characteristic deep pleating and structural waist ties associated with the hakama, which historically indicated the wearer's status and was often worn by samurai, scholars, and for Shinto ceremonies. This specific piece remains in very good condition, with the crispness of the hemp fibers and the clarity of the stenciled patterns well-preserved.